Heroin Detox

We Make Heroin Detox Easier On Your Body

The problem with Heroin and Opiates like it is, is that it’s very easy to get hooked, and users are reluctant to be honest with themselves and others with regards to their habit. This means that it is up to loved ones, friends and family to detect the signs of heroin use. For the user, the signs of addiction come in the form of withdrawal symptoms when they body once again begins to crave the substance. This fact challenges the recovery process as it is often late stage.

When injecting heroin, the drug provides a surge of euphoria that is immediate and fast-acting. In this state of euphoria the mouth will get dry, the pupils constrict and the skin will get flush. Respiration slows down and the user will begin to enter in and out of consciousness. Clear thinking becomes challenged; loss of memory or train of thought are also diminished. Decision-making skills are impaired and the ability for self-control is also greatly affected.

The immune system becomes compromised, exposing the user to illness and frequent colds. The user might also exhibit vomiting, nausea and uncontrollable itching, as well as skin and other infections. Heroin can also cause constipation, leading the user to seek laxatives for relief.

Withdrawal Symptoms of Heroin Use

Nausea

Sweats and chills

Soreness and aching in muscles and bones

Sinus issues

Fatigue and loss of energy

Agitation and restlessness

Vomiting and diarrhea

Severe Cases of Heroin Addiction

Strong cravings

Depression

Anxiety

Increased heart rate

Anxiety or paranoia

Muscle spasms

Respiration issues

Psychological stress

High blood pressure

Detoxing From Heroin

The time and intensity involved with the detox process from heroin depends on how long someone has been using, how much has been ingested and in what ways it has been ingested. All of these factors affect how the brain and the body have become dependant upon the drug.

The detox period can last only a week, but depending upon how severe the chemical addiction may be, an extended period of time may be required.

A medically supervised program with therapy, counseling and if necessary, medication, is key to ensuring a smooth transition off the the drug and reducing the risk of complications.

How to Spot Heroin Addiction

Users will also try to hide any evidence of their habit like covering their arms to hide skin abrasions and needle marks and making heroin paraphernalia hard to find. Items such as small glass pipes, small plastic baggies, spoons that appear to be burnt, used syringes, powder residue that appears to be white or tan in color, residue that would appear to be dark or sticky or rubber tubing are all indicative of heroin use.

Risks of Heroin Addiction

Heroin addiction eventually devolves. The user’s euphoric rushes from earlier usage begin to disappear. At this point, the motivation to continue using is driven only by the need to stop extreme withdrawal symptoms of sickness, agitation, muscle aches and anxiety. This is when the addiction is no longer fun or exciting, and the nightmare begins and intensifies every time the last dose of heroin has worn off.

Heroin often contains harmful and toxic chemicals that will cause permanent damage to blood vessels, the brain, lungs, kidney and liver. It also takes away the user’s health, strength and cognitive ability to function. Relationships with family, friends and lovers begin to breakdown, and complete disarray begins to settle in, financially, health-wise and in all other aspects of life. The pursuit of the next dose of heroin becomes more important than basic needs like food, hygiene and health. Unfortunately, the user will be oblivious to the situation and unaware of the damage they are doing to themselves and the people who love them. In most cases, even if the user is aware, he or she will be unable to stop using heroin on their own.

Low energy, tendency to doze off

Breathing that is slow

Pupils appear small

Skin looks flushed

Runny nose and cold symptoms

Tendency to itch and scratch

Nausea and vomiting

Constipation

Impaired speech

Loss of appetite

Neglecting hygiene and grooming

Common Health Risks

Heart damage and infection to lining and valves

Lung Damage

Dysfunctional Cognitive Abilities

Kidney disease and possible failure

Infections due to needle sharing (HIV, Hepatitis)

Collapsed veins

Skin infections and abscesses

Liver disease

Complications to the lung

Pneumonia

Complications of the lungs

Risk of Heroin Overdose

Overdoses are common with heroin. Toxic reactions to the drug can lead to death. During an overdose episode the breathing will slow down significantly or even cease, cutting off the flow of oxygen to the brain. This condition is called Hypoxia. Hypoxia results in short and long term effects, damaging the nervous system and can induce the user overdosing into a coma, leaving them with permanent brain damage, if they survive.

Heroin and Opiate Addiction is a life threatening situation that can lead to an irreversible health crisis and may even be fatal. Immediate professional help is the only way to avoid harm to yourself or a loved one.

Matt Sapia

Matt Sapia is a BHT Supervisor at Holistix in Lake Worth where Matt works closely with patients in the facility, helping to ensure they are comfortable and safe. Matt has been working in the addiction treatment field for 1 year. He has helped countless addicts get through the detox process and begin their journey toward lifelong recovery. Matt is originally from Staten Island, NY. He enjoys exercise and long walks on the beach.

Laura Bonczek

Tiffany Tait

Tiffany Tait is the Chief Operating Officer at Holistix Treatment Centers in where Tiffany works closely with the facility, helping to ensuring that patients are comfortable and safe. Tiffany has been working in the addiction treatment field for 14 years. She has helped countless addicts get through the detox process and begin their journey toward lifelong recovery. She is especially recognized for her experience in clinical program development, leadership development, and organizational restructuring. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminology and Masters of Social Work Degree from Florida State University in Tallahassee, FL. Tiffany is originally from Brooklyn, New York, and enjoys reading, being a mom and taking long naps on the beach.

Gianni Fugazy

Gianni Fugazy is the Director of Operations at Holistix in Margate where Gianni works closely with patients in the facility, helping to ensure they are comfortable and safe. Gianni has been working in the addiction treatment field for 4 years. He has helped countless addicts get through the detox process and begin their journey toward lifelong recovery. Gianni is originally from Harrison, New York, and enjoys watching movies and going the gym in his free time.